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Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. George Holding (R-NC), sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner requesting that Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, be granted the opportunity to address a Joint Meeting of Congress. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. in September.

In the letter to Speaker Boehner, Chairman Royce and Rep. Holding write: “As you know, India is a critical partner of the United States. In every aspect – whether it be in political, economic or security relations – the United States has no more important partner in South Asia. It is not an overstatement to say that the U.S.-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”

The Honorable John A. Boehner
Speaker of the House
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Boehner:

We are writing to request that Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, be granted the honor of addressing a Joint Meeting of Congress when he travels to Washington, D.C. this September. With more than 500 million people voting in the recent Indian election, it was both the world’s largest democratic event and an historic moment for India. The U.S. must now work closely with Prime Minister Modi to strengthen the important relationship between the two countries.

As you know, India is a critical partner of the United States. In every aspect – whether it be in political, economic or security relations – the United States has no more important partner in South Asia. It is not an overstatement to say that the U.S.-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

We are optimistic that the mandate given to Prime Minister Modi will help India thrive economically. Under Mr. Modi’s leadership, the state of Gujarat has flourished. Home to a mere five percent of the country’s population, Gujarat now accounts for nearly 25 percent of all Indian exports. Poverty rates have fallen dramatically, and infrastructure has grown impressively.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States will undoubtedly be a seminal event for the nation’s vibrant Indian American community. We look forward to working with you to ensure that this trip is a success.